Behave Quote by Richard Dawkins
“A retaliator behaves like a hawk when he is attacked by a hawk, and like a dove when he meets a dove. When he meets another retaliator he plays like a dove. A retaliator is a conditional strategist. His behaviour depends on the behaviour of his opponent.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Selfish Gene, 1976 (paraphrased concept)
A retaliator adapts strategy based on opponent behavior, acting aggressively against aggression, peacefully with peace, and cooperative with similar strategists.
In simple terms: Strategy changes with opponent’s actions.
Key Takeaway
Adapt tactics to opponent’s behavior.
Themes
strategy
conditional behavior
conflict resolution
evolutionary psychology
game theory
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- international diplomacy
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
reciprocity
adaptive learning
strategic flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a conditional strategy ineffective?
- How can you identify true opponent intent?
A Different Perspective
Conditional strategies may be exploited if misread.
![“The military profession, especially is the long-established great powers, is deeply pessimistic about the likelihood that people and countries will behave well under stress. Professional officers are trained to think in terms of emergent threats, and this [climate change] is as big a threat as you…” quote by Gwynne Dyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/363/gwynne-dyer-29209_behave_the-military-profession-especially-is-th_143358.jpg)
![“They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.” quote by Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13c/sun-tzu-283_art_they-spies-cannot-be-properly-managed-wi_77546.jpg)
